Girls' soccer maintains perfect record after win against Hawthorne

After a 3-0 game winning match against Hawthorne High School on Friday, Jan. 30, girls’ soccer extended its five game winning streak.

“ Our balance in scoring, and the diversity of our players is what has led to our success thus far,” said coach Jimmy Chapman.

Since the forwards and outside backs are strong on the wings, the team has created a strong attacking force that has allowed for the girls to score with fifteen goals in the last five games.

Samo was able to pressure its opponents in the first ten minutes of the game. A cross came in from midfielder Ella Sinfield (’15) towards captain and midfielder Gabby Dyrek (’15), who volleyed it into the back of the net, setting the score 1-0.

“After we scored our first goal, that gave us the momentum to keep scoring and make plays that would get our team into its defensive third,” Dyrek said.

The steady composure and momentum that were held throughout the entire game motivated the girls to keep fighting on, leading forward Ariana Lomeli (’15) dribbling through Hawthorne’s defense and scoring the second goal for the Vikings before the conclusion of the first half.

In the second half of the game, Lomeli scored another goal for the Vikings — her eighth goal of the season. This ended the game with a score of 3-0, and another win for the team.

“We had to stay focused on the game and our individual play because we know that league is on the line and any mess up can put us in danger of the championship,”  Dyrek said.

According to Chapman, the girls must improve on their mental shift from offense to defense in order to stay composed in all aspects of the game.

With that victory in the past, the team has set its focus on an upcoming game against Lawndale High School on Wednesday, Feb.4.

Last year the Vikings had an unfortunate loss to Lancaster in the quarter finals of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

Throughout the girls’ hard work and urgency, Chapman recognizes that the team has the potential to triumph this season.

“Division is winnable; its going to take a lot of hard work, but we can definitely get there,” said Chapman. “This year, we know what we’re capable of. Everyone is working hard and we’re playing at a hundred percent. We’re capable of reaching semifinals and then we will see what happens from there.”